Overall Route Rating
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4.94 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.94
16 Reviews

Motorcycle Route Author

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By Sandy67 (5 McR Points) on Sep 08, 2011

Rider Reviews

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rayzer
2 McR Points
September 14, 2012
This was a breath taking ride . A must do for…
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Guest
February 11, 2013
This route is rated by many as the best…
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Written Directions

The Cabot Trail is nearly a full loop in Nova Scotia on Cape Breton island. I added a section of road (the Trans-Canadian Hwy (105)) that makes it a full loop. One suggested way you could do this loop would be to start at Buckwheat Corner. From Buckwheat corner you get on to the Cabot Trail and start out by going west but just stay on it as takes you west over to Margaree and then loops you north up to Pleasant Bay and then east west on Cabot Trail to Nelis Harbour and finally south back down to St. Anne's all on the Cabot Trail. From Saint Ann's, you should head south on the Trans-Canadian Hwy (105) to Buckwheat Corner and you've completed your loop. A nice town to see and spend the night is Baddeck (ba-DECK) which is just a bit east of the start of the route (start of the route being at Buckwheat Corner). It will take a little over an hour from the Causeway to Baddeck and the next morning it's about a 20 minute ride to the start of the Cabot Trail. It will take you from 3 hrs to, well, several days to cover the distance to Margaree Harbour - it's that beautiful. After Margaree Harbour there are several routes back to the causeway-take your pick.

canada road ranger

"I give this route a 5 as it combines wonderful roads, amazing scenery and fantastic local seafood.. Surrounded by water on both sides, and so many nice stops to make. The Rusty Anchor in Pleasant Bay on the west side serves great seafood, with outdoor seating overlooking the water. Meat Cove at the far north is a very interesting stop. It's the most northern point in Nova Scotia, and well worth the ride off the beaten path. And lunch on the east side at the Chowder House in Neils Harbour is a must visit."

Scenery

This highway is carved out of mountains and is never far from the ocean. The mountains are not like the Rockies but perhaps similar to the Appalachians, approx. 500 meters high and heavily forested. It is a famous road and is easily researched on the internet. Lots of pictures and travel info there.

Drive Enjoyment

It's been a few years since I was there but I don't remember any rough stretches. Many curves and changes in elevation and the never ending ocean vistas.

Tourism Opportunities

I only remember some of it but Highlands Links Golf Course is spectacular, and the Keltic Lodge is a quite the resort (We didn't stay there). There is lots of info online. The island has a Scottish, Irish history (Celtic is pronounced with a hard C.) and music can be found just about anywhere. There is an event in the fall called Celtic Colours which I have never been to but have heard many good things about - the weather may be iffy though.
 

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Stouffs
January 2, 2020
35 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport
Atlantic Canada's best ride hands down. This picturesque route gives mountains on 1 side and ocean view on the other. Make this a 2 day event as I did it in 1 day and it was rushed with not being able to stop enough. I like this route going counter clockwise as this keeps you on the outside lane closest to the ocean.
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red bud
December 3, 2019
344 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
unbelievable curvey mt road right by the ocean some places it looks like your going off into the ocean came around a curve and there was a moose in the middle of the road doing the squirrel dance in front of a car
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Mark B.
April 13, 2020
262 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
This is one of those famous roads that shows up on posters and calendars. I've ridden it several times over the years. It has always been the "destination" of a week long tour. The scenery is often surreal, especially if the weather is nice. Although the weather and road conditions can be unpredictable. Because of the short summer season road crews sometimes turn both side into a large gravel path that may run for several miles.
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